The government on Saturday said commercial LPG cylinder distribution has been resumed for some industries in various states, adding that no stockouts of LPG have been reported so far at retail outlets in the country.
In a briefing on the current fuel situation, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has decided that commercial consumers will also get LPG.
"In some states, commercial cylinders are being directly supplied to industries to meet their operational requirements," she said.
This is likely to provide relief to commercial establishments and industries, especially the restaurant and hospitality sector.
She further stated that despite the prevailing geopolitical situation, no fuel shortage has been reported. Sharma further insisted on avoiding panic booking, saying the country has enough LPG.
She reiterated that despite the surge in bookings, the government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that both domestic and commercial consumers continue to receive LPG supply.
More Indian-flagged LPG tankers are preparing to cross the strategic Strait of Hormuz after Iran granted safe passage to Indian vessels amid tensions in the region, sources said on Saturday.
The development follows the safe transit of two LPG carriers through the war-affected waterway. Currently, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the Persian Gulf region, and authorities are closely monitoring their safety.
Of these, 24 ships carrying 677 Indian seafarers are located west of the Strait of Hormuz, while four vessels with 101 Indian crew members are positioned east of the strait.
According to data from the Directorate General of Shipping as of March 12, the vessels were transporting about 2,15,000 tonnes of LNG, 4,15,000 tonnes of LPG, and nearly 17.5 lakh tonnes of crude oil.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it is closely monitoring the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf and has strengthened preparedness measures.
Meanwhile, two oil tankers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi, owned by Shipping Corporation of India — are expected to reach India in the coming days. Government sources said Shivalik is currently being escorted by the Indian Navy and is likely to dock at Mumbai or Kandla within two days.
The Nanda Devi is carrying over 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG, a key component of India's energy supply chain. Both ships are being closely guided by naval assets to ensure safe transit through the sensitive waters.
The developments follow a recent conversation between Narendra Modi and Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the safe flow of goods and energy supplies through the region.
Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, had earlier indicated that Indian vessels could receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite escalating tensions in West Asia.
LPG supply stabilises across cities
At the same time, LPG supply across several Indian cities has begun to stabilise, with customers reporting quicker deliveries and smooth booking processes after earlier concerns over shortages.
In Kanpur, customers said cylinders were being delivered quickly after booking. Delivery agents reported minimal queues and efficient voucher-based distribution.
Similar improvements were reported in Etah, where adequate stocks are available at local agencies. Vendors urged customers not to panic or pay attention to rumours.
In Amritsar and Bathinda in Punjab, residents said LPG cylinder availability had improved, with easier bookings and prompt home deliveries.
Reports from Patna in Bihar also indicated normal supply conditions. Vendors said cylinders are being delivered door-to-door and customers are receiving LPG without difficulty.
Officials and distributors across cities emphasised that supplies remain sufficient and distribution systems are functioning normally, helping ease earlier concerns among consumers.
(With inputs from IANS)
